JP McManus named Limerick Person of the Year for 2010

BUSINESSMAN JP MCMANUS who raised €40 million for midwest charities at last year’s Golf Pro-Am, has been named Limerick Person of the Year for 2010.

The philanthropist brought some of the world’s top golfers to Adare Manor for the fundraiser which attracted 80,000 people to the Co Limerick golf resort.

Movie stars including Samuel L Jackson, Michael Douglas and Hugh Grant travelled to Adare for the event where amateurs got to tee-off beside 12 top professionals, including Tiger Woods.

Mr McManus, who is in California playing in the ATT Pebble Beach National Pro-Am tournament, was unable to attend the ceremony. Accepting the award on behalf of her husband Noreen McManus joked her husband was probably already planning the next Pro-Am.

“He’s sorry he can’t be here. He’s off enjoying himself, playing golf and possibly planning the next event,” she said.

Addressing those gathered for the awards ceremony in a video message from Pebble Beach, Mr McManus said he was honoured to receive such a “wonderful award”.

“I am very grateful to the many people who made our Pro-Am happen during the year.

“I would also like to acknowledge the great work done by the carers of the less fortunate in our society, also to the hundreds of volunteers who worked many hours to ensure the event went smoothly,” he said.

While he spends much of his time abroad Mr McManus said he “cherishes every minute” he spends at home in Limerick.

“For Noreen and myself it is a delight that our children feel as strongly about our home place as we do and I look forward to spending many years of happiness in Limerick.”

The JP McManus Invitational Golf Pro-Am has raised €95 million for midwest charities since its inception in 1990 and takes place every five years.